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Board approves multimodal grant resolution, clears way for enclosed campus walkway
Summary
The Conneaut School District board approved a resolution to apply for a multimodal transportation grant that would fund an enclosed walkway between two campus buildings; the application includes a 20% local match and staff said preliminary cost estimates came in under $1,000,000.
The Conneaut School District Board of Directors voted July 8 to approve a resolution authorizing staff to apply for a Multimodal Transportation Fund grant that would finance a secure, enclosed connection between campus buildings.
The board approved the resolution after a presentation from district staff explaining the grant program administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development and the district's preferred design. The application includes a proposed 20% local match. The presenter said the preliminary project estimate came in "under $1,000,000," and that staff must submit the application by the end of the month.
Board members asked about the timeline and who ultimately approves awards. The presenter said the department likely uses an internal committee and that award timing depends on the state budget; staff did not give a firm award date. The presenter also said the design under consideration would provide an enclosed, ground-level walkway with large garage doors to allow vehicle and pedestrian flow at different times of day.
The board's vote to approve the resolution (agenda item 16 h) authorizes the district to include the 20% match when it submits the application. The motion to approve 16 h was made and seconded as reflected in the meeting record; the chair called the vote and the motion carried.
Votes at a glance: The meeting record also shows the board moved and approved a set of routine consent items (minutes, treasurer's report, transfers, and bills), several contract and personnel items (16-series approvals) and later approved authorization to begin an auction process for Valley Middle School (see separate article). One board member recorded a no vote on the financial bills; several attendance notes and one abstention on a separate item were entered into the minutes.
Why it matters: The multimodal grant, if awarded, would fund infrastructure intended to improve student safety and reduce exposure to outside elements between buildings; the required local match will obligate district funds if the board chooses to proceed with construction after award.
Next steps: Staff will submit the resolution with the application before the end of the month and will return to the board with recommendations about final engineering firm selection and a request for any construction approvals and funding commitments the board must make if the grant is awarded.
